• CARLA Wartenberg’s letter hits the nail on the head, (Scratch the digital, February 7).

When the subject of replacing parking permits was last raised I sought, and obtained, a pledge from Cllr Theo Blackwell (then member for finance) that scratch-cards would continue to be available and acceptable. Many elderly people bought themselves a supply so that they would easily be able to give them out to their visitors.

Requiring those who are not in front of computers all day, do not have a smart phone, have poor sight or arthritic fingers, to make digital or even phone contact with the council is unfair and a long way from the sentiments expressed in the recent Camden magazine about helping older people to overcome loneliness and live independent lives.

Doing away with scratch-cards makes a comparatively small saving, but it could have a serious impact on the wellbeing of some of our more vulnerable residents. We will be urging Camden to think again.

CLLR FLICK REA
Leader, Liberal Democrat group